The Clark House Museum collection reflects the unique history of a town on a lake. The collection includes artifacts from Native American settlement, farming, lake sports, the ice industry and life in bygone days. It includes the Clark Family collection as well as a vast collection from the estate of Robert J. Shaw, prolific radio and TV writer who wrote the popular Dallas episode, Who Shot J.R.

The Society members maintain the restoration of collections and for continuing to build a rich resource for generations of Pewaukeens to enjoy and learn from. Members receive the Pewaukee Area Historical Society Newsletter, are invited to particpate in the organizational meetings and participate on committees. Join Now by filling out the PDF form by printing it (40kb PDF), then just fill it out and mail it to the Pewaukee Area Historical Society to participate in the promotion of Pewaukee's rich and varied past.

Pewaukee History Is Rich - Join Us In Exploring and Learning More!

From the 1840's on the Pewaukee area grew as more and more settlers were attracted to the terrain and fertile soil. It became a farming community. In addition, the lake has always played a prominent role in its history. The clear spring lake which later became known as Pewaukee Lake was ideal for ice for commercial use in the days prior to electrical refrigeration. Ice harvesting was one of the major industries of Pewaukee. Major ice houses included those of meat packers, Armour and Plankinton. Pewaukee became one of the major suppliers of ice to Southeastern Wisconsin.

A popular fishing destination, the 2,493 acre spring lake has an abundance of Musky, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Small mouth Bass, Pan fish and Walleye. It remains popular for lake sports and recreation as well as beautiful lake sunsets. With the attraction of the lake, Pewaukee became known for its lake cottages and fine resorts.

Waukesha Beach was a popular summer recreation area, from its beginnings in 1894 until it closed in 1949. It included roller coasters, a fun house, roller skating, a dance pavilion, souvenir stands and refreshments. Performers appearing at Waukesha Beach included the Andrews Sisters and Ted Mack, who later achieved fame with his Original Amateur Hour, which began on radio and later moved to television.

The Pewaukee area is situated on the Niagara escarpment that stretches from Niagara Falls, New York to Eastern Wisconsin. The lime and stone industry in Pewaukee was begun by Solomon Bolles, who came to the area in 1844. While much of the stone went into local construction, it was also use in Milwaukee and Chicago road construction. Following the disastrous Chicago fire of 1871, Pewaukee limestone was sent to the city for use in rebuilding the city.

Pewaukee Lake remains popular for lake sports including Ice Boating, and Sail Boating. Join Now by filling out the PDF form by printing it (40kb PDF), then just fill it out and mail it to the Pewaukee Area Historical Society:

Pewaukee Area Historical Society
PO Box 105
Pewaukee, Wisconsin 53072